Database refactoring is a difficult proposition at the best of times, but is rendered more or less impossible if the database is close-coupled to the application's other components. In a guest editorial, Mladen Prajdic stresses the importance of a native SQL Server abstraction layer.
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When information is exchanged in XML format, there needs to be an agreement between the sender and receiver about the structure and content of the XML document. An XSD (XML Schema Definition Language) Schema can be used to enforce this contract and validate the XML data being exchanged. Jacob Sebastian's book explains all.
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Phil recently had to draw up a list of 'top ten' pieces of advice for programmers who were starting out as database developers. It is a difficult thing to do when one is immersed in the study of the intricacies and detail of the plumbing of SQL Server.
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